Side Trips in Ilocos Norte: Paoay Church, Patapat Viaduct & Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

I just have to see these amazing wonders in Ilocos Norte. I'm already here so better check 'em out! I have learned that Ilocos Norte was very rich in history. I've never imagined seeing these wonders in person 'cause back then these were just in print from my thickest history book. My trips to Paoay Church, Patapat Viaduct & Cape Bojeador Lighthouse were just short due to time constraints but to me, these side trips completed my Ilocos Norte itinerary and I'm fulfilled that I didn't missed any of it!

PAOAY CHURCH

Its called Church of Saint Augustine but popularly known to many as "Paoay Church" and just like any other old churches a bell tower was present. This was actually a Baroque kind of church architecture.

Windmills Of Bangui

When I visited Ilocos Norte I made it a point to see the great windmills. These were one of the most exciting attractions in the region and I don't want to miss it. My friends too were excited as I was. These wonderful windmills are located in the municipality of Bangui in Ilocos Norte. The location of the Philippines makes it ideal for some regions to have wind power installation particularly in Ilocos Norte, where power source was limited and so these wind turbines greatly helped in the regions power source supply. To date, there are approximately 20 wind turbines installed in Bangui.

Malacañang of the North: A look inside Pres. Marcos House

Malacañang Ti Amianan, as the locals called it, is located in Ilocos Norte, northern part of the Philippines. This wonderfully built house was the official residence of the 10th President of the Philippines, Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in the north. As history may tell, the former president faced many controversies during his reign but he also made the country known to the world and helped shaped the nation to what it is today. At present, the Malacañang of the North was opened to the public and converted into a museum. It now served as a window for Filipinos at this time to have look inside the lives of the people in the past, to reflect on  and to share to the world.

Sand Dunes 4x4 Adventure

PAOAY -

A wonderful municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, located in the northern part of the Philippines. The place is home to the famous Paoay Church (San Agustin Church) and the Sand Dunes (4x4 and sandboarding adventure). 

PAOAY SAND DUNES 4X4 ADVENTURE

For thrill seekers out there Paoay Sand dunes 4x4 adventure is the most sought after activity here in Ilocos Norte, I for one was looking forward to try out this extreme sport. Me and my berks went here to experience the thrill and excitement first hand. 

The sand dunes was by the way a favorite for filmmakers. Movies like "Panday" and "Born on the 4th of July" were shot here.

The Magical Enchanted Kingdom

The Magnificent World of Enchanted Kingdom

Enchanted Kingdom is the only amusement park in the Philippines. This can be compared to that of the Universal Studios and the famous Disneyland. The face of Enchanted Kingdom is a wizard named Eldarl which can be seen at the main entrance of the park, on paper cups, plastic bags, souvenir items, and many more. Enchanted Kingdom is located in the province of Laguna. Going here is very easy if coming from Manila. Buses are available anytime.

Every time I come here, the park never fails to surprise me. I have different companions each time I visit Enchanted Kingdom though the rides were the same, the feeling is always different. There will always be thrill, excitement and childlike happiness.

Bacolod the City of Smiles

BACOLOD CITY - 

the "City of Smiles" as they say. Bacolod city is the capital city of Negros Occidental, located in Western Visayas region in the Philippines. Me and my gang went here in time for the "Maskara Festival", the famous festival known for the capital city. 

It was last October 26, 2013 where we experienced the place. It was tiring in coming here since we didn't took a plane. Since we were adventure seekers, from hometown Cebu City, we took a bus, then a slow boat, then bus again for total of 8 hours until we reached Bacolod City.